Billy Graham, the famed evangelist who has been spiritual advisor to several US presidents, speaks out against gay marriage in a full-page ad appearing in the Wall Street Journal on Friday (19 October).

He also states: ‘I believe it is vitally important that we cast our ballots for candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the nation of Israel. I urge you to vote for those who protect the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman. Vote for biblical values this November 6, and pray with me that America will remain one nation under God.’

Last May, the 93-year-old Baptist minister come out publicly in favor of North Carolina’s anti-gay Amendment One.

Prior to that, he had not previously been known for taking strong political stances. But he campaigned for the successful passage of a ballot initiative adds a ban of same-sex marriages and civil unions to the North Carolina constitution.

Graham is in frail health and rarely makes public appearances these days. His son, Franklin Graham, is CEO and president of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.